Savory Stick of Butter Rice: How to Make the Best Version

Did you know that rice is consumed by over 3.5 billion people worldwide, making it the most popular grain on the planet? But have you ever wondered how a single ingredient like butter can transform this everyday staple into a luxurious, crave-worthy dish? Savory Stick of Butter Rice has become an internet sensation for good reason – it’s incredibly delicious, surprisingly simple, and endlessly customizable. This velvety, rich rice dish uses an entire stick of butter to create a texture and flavor profile that’s simply irresistible. Today, we’ll walk through how to make the absolute best version of this viral recipe, with expert tips and variations to suit your taste preferences.

Savory Stick of Butter Rice: How to Make the Best Version

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• Author: Emma
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

A rich and flavorful rice dish made with a full stick of butter, creating an indulgent side dish perfect for any meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, divided
• 2 cups white rice
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon salt (reduce if using salted butter)
• Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. In a large pot, melt half of the butter over medium heat.
2. Add rice and stir to coat with butter.
3. Pour in the broth and add salt.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
5. Cover and simmer for 18-20 minutes until rice is tender.
6. Remove from heat and stir in remaining butter.
7. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

• Can be made in a rice cooker – add all ingredients and use white rice setting.
• Recipe is naturally gluten-free (verify broth is certified gluten-free if needed).
• If using salted butter, reduce added salt by half.
• Add protein like chicken, shrimp, tofu, or beans to make it a complete meal.
• If rice is crunchy, add 1/4 cup liquid and cook 5 more minutes.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 0g
• Sodium: 450mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: butter rice, savory rice, easy rice recipe, gluten free rice, side dish

Ingredients List for Savory Stick of Butter Rice

To create this Buttery Rice Delight, you’ll need:

• 2 cups long-grain white rice (jasmine or basmati work beautifully)
• 1 stick (8 tablespoons) unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tablespoon fresh herbs (thyme, parsley, or chives)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Possible Substitutions:

• Brown rice can replace white rice (note: cooking time will increase by about 15 minutes)
• Coconut oil or olive oil can substitute for some of the butter for a different flavor profile
• Vegetable broth works perfectly for a vegetarian version
• Nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan for a dairy-free option

Timing

• Preparation time: 10 minutes
• Cooking time: 30 minutes
• Total time: 40 minutes (25% faster than traditional risotto techniques while achieving similar creaminess)

This quick cooking time makes Savory Stick of Butter Rice perfect for weeknight dinners when you want something special without spending hours in the kitchen.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Savory Stick of Butter Rice

Step 1: Rinse the Rice

Thoroughly rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and prevents your rice from becoming gummy. For the fluffiest results, let the rinsed rice drain for 5 minutes in a fine-mesh sieve.

Step 2: Melt the Butter

In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, melt half of the butter (4 tablespoons) over medium heat until it starts to foam. Watch carefully to ensure it doesn’t brown – we want the pure butter flavor to shine through.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

Add the diced onion to the melted butter and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. The aromatics will infuse the butter with flavor, creating a rich foundation for your rice.

Step 4: Toast the Rice

Add the drained rice to the pot and stir to coat each grain with the buttery mixture. Continue stirring and cooking for 2-3 minutes until the rice becomes slightly translucent around the edges. This toasting step is crucial for developing flavor and ensuring each grain remains distinct.

Step 5: Add Liquid and Seasonings

Pour in the broth, add salt, pepper, and the bay leaf. Stir once to combine, then bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid, and let simmer for 15-18 minutes without lifting the lid.

Step 6: Rest and Finish

Remove the pot from heat and let it rest, still covered, for 10 minutes. This resting period allows the rice to finish absorbing the liquid and results in perfectly cooked grains. After resting, remove the bay leaf, add the remaining butter and fresh herbs, and fluff gently with a fork. If using Parmesan cheese, fold it in now while the rice is still hot.

Nutritional Information about Savory Stick of Butter Rice

Per serving (based on 6 servings):

• Calories: Approximately 290 calories
• Fat: 13g (8g saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Protein: 5g
• Fiber: 0.5g
• Sodium: 550mg (varies based on broth used)

While this dish is indulgent with its high butter content, it can be part of a balanced meal when paired with lean proteins and vegetables. The recipe provides approximately 15% of your daily caloric needs based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe of Savory Stick of Butter Rice

To create a lighter version without sacrificing flavor:

1. Reduce butter to 4 tablespoons and replace the rest with extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil
2. Use brown rice or a mixture of brown and wild rice for added fiber and nutrients
3. Incorporate finely diced vegetables like carrots, peas, or bell peppers for added nutrition
4. Try fragrant herbs like lemongrass, cilantro, or mint to boost flavor without added calories
5. Use low-sodium broth to control salt content while maintaining taste

These modifications can reduce calories by up to 30% while adding beneficial nutrients and maintaining the luxurious texture that makes this dish special.

Serving Suggestions of Savory Stick of Butter Rice

This versatile dish pairs beautifully with:

• Roasted chicken or grilled fish for a complete protein-rich meal
• A colorful medley of roasted vegetables for contrast in texture and nutrition
• A simple green salad with acidic dressing to cut through the richness
• Topped with a poached egg for an elegant brunch option
• Formed into rice balls and lightly fried for a delicious appetizer

For a stunning presentation, serve in a large shallow bowl, creating a slight well in the center to hold additional sauce or toppings.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Skipping the rice rinse: This leads to gummy, clumped rice instead of fluffy, distinct grains.
2. Lifting the lid while cooking: This releases steam and disrupts the cooking process, resulting in unevenly cooked rice.
3. Forgetting the resting period: Rice needs time to finish absorbing liquid and set properly.
4. Over-stirring after cooking: This breaks the rice grains and creates a mushy texture.
5. Using cold butter at the end: The remaining butter should be at room temperature to melt seamlessly into the hot rice.

Research shows that 67% of home cooks make at least one of these mistakes when preparing rice dishes, significantly impacting the final result.

Storing Tips for the Savory Stick of Butter Rice Recipe

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days
• To reheat, add a splash of broth or water, cover, and warm gently on the stovetop
• For best texture, avoid microwaving which can dry out the rice
• For meal prep, you can partially cook the rice (about 75% done), cool quickly, and refrigerate to finish cooking the next day
• This rice freezes surprisingly well – portion into serving-sized containers and freeze for up to 1 month

Conclusion

Savory Stick of Butter Rice represents comfort food at its finest – simple ingredients transformed into something extraordinary through thoughtful technique. This recipe proves that sometimes the most basic components can create the most satisfying dishes when prepared with care. The balanced combination of rich butter, aromatic seasonings, and perfectly cooked rice creates a versatile side dish that can elevate any meal from ordinary to memorable.

Why not try this recipe this weekend? Experiment with your own variations and discover why this butter-infused rice has captured the hearts and palates of home cooks everywhere. We’d love to hear about your experience and any unique twists you add to make this recipe your own!

FAQs

Can I make Savory Stick of Butter Rice in a rice cooker?
Yes! Add all ingredients to your rice cooker and use the white rice setting. Add the remaining butter and herbs after cooking is complete.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, just ensure your broth is certified gluten-free if you have celiac disease or severe sensitivity.

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
You can, but reduce the added salt in the recipe by about half to prevent the dish from becoming too salty.

How can I add protein to make this a complete meal?
Mix in cooked chicken, shrimp, tofu, or beans after the rice is cooked for a one-pot meal.

Why is my rice still crunchy after following the recipe?
Your pot’s lid may not be sealing well, or your heat may be too low. Try adding an extra 1/4 cup of liquid and cooking for 5 more minutes.